About Influenza

Influenza, or "the flu," is a leading cause of illness in the United States and can lead to serious medical conditions, hospitalization or even death. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the nose, throat and lungs.
Flu seasons are unpredictable. They can begin early in the fall and last late into the spring.
Influenza is extremely contagious and spreads very easily in communities. The best way to protect oneself from the flu is by getting an annual flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

steps to help prevent influenza, colds and other contagious illnesses include:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Stay home when you are ill and try to limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

What to do if you get sick

If you get sick, there are some simple things you should know so you can take care of yourself:

Make sure you get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids.

Stay away from others as much as possible so you don't spread the flu to others. You should stay home from school or work until you have been fever free for at least 24 hours.

If you have special conditions, for example diabetes, asthma, emphysema or heart disease, contact your doctor to be safe.

Enloe offers two PromptCare clinics that can help relieve symptoms of illnesses such as flus or colds.

Know When to Seek Help

Some people are more likely to get flu complications -- for example young children, people 65 and older, people with asthma, diabetes or women who are pregnant -- and they should talk to a health care provider about whether they need to be examined if they get flu symptoms. Also, it's possible for healthy people to develop severe illness from the flu so anyone concerned about their illness should consult a health care provider.

These are emergency warning signs of more severe illness:

In children

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish skin color

Not drinking enough fluids

Not waking up or not interacting

Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Fever with a rash

In adults

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Sudden dizziness

Confusion

Severe or persistent vomiting

Flu–like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough